Wisdom Teeth: Why Do They Need To Be Removed?

Wondering if your wisdom teeth can stay? You might be better off having your Boise dentist remove them at a younger age rather than putting it off and dealing with the complications they cause later. Here are three instances when you might want to consider wisdom teeth removal:

1. Wisdom Teeth Removal When Misaligned

This is one of the main reasons patients get their wisdom teeth removed. Instead of growing straight up or down, many wisdom teeth will grow sideways into your other teeth, out towards or jaw, or in towards your tongue. When growing towards your other teeth, they can cause a lot of pain and pressure and can even cause your other teeth to move. When growing out or in, the wisdom teeth can cause problems with the jawbone or nerves.

2. Wisdom Teeth Removal When Partially Erupted

If your wisdom teeth have managed to come in straight, you still might not be out of the woods. Sometimes wisdom teeth, especially the bottom molars, don’t come in all the way, leaving a flap of gum over the tooth that is great for holding bacteria and staving off your toothbrush.  That makes these teeth much more prone to infection and disease. While you can cut off this flap of gum, it will just grow back.

3. Wisdom Teeth Removal When Infected

Several studies have linked wisdom teeth in older adults to increased infections and cavities, which in turn affect your overall health. Even if your wisdom teeth come in straight and don’t crowd your other teeth, they may be more trouble than they are worth with the cavities, root canals, and infections many people experience with them. It’s not just cavities—gum infections and even cysts are more common complaints as well. Wisdom teeth are so much more prone to cavities due to their hard-to-reach location.

With all the hassle associated with wisdom teeth, many professionals recommend wisdom teeth removal when you are in your teens or early twenties before any problems start. The roots of wisdom teeth are not fully formed at that point, and the teeth don’t have enough time to push around your other teeth or cause other damage. Wisdom teeth removal for patients who are under 25 years old are very predictable and rarely result in complications.

Stop by and talk with our Boise dentists about your wisdom teeth removal options, or give our Boise office a call for more information!

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ruben-cohen-dds/wisdom-teeth-removal_b_972697.html